Department of Health – DH (UK)

The UK Department of Health (DH) helps people to live better for longer. The Department of Health leads, shapes and funds health and care in England, making sure people have the support, care and treatment they need, with the compassion, respect and dignity they deserve.

Electronic patient records

By 2015 the DH wants all hospitals to be keeping patient records electronically rather than on paper, so staff only need to collect and record information about patients once. This should make things more efficient, reduce the chance of mistakes that might compromise patient safety and make it easier for health and social care services to work together.

Also by 2015, all patients should be able to book GP appointments, order a repeat prescription and communicate with their GP surgery online.